The Photo Shoot

While I was in Arizona visiting baby Emma I was contacted by Sew Beautiful about some of my outfits that had been picked for the magazine. Since one of my missions is to get more boy things in the magazine, let's include more baby boy models while we are at it! And who would be better than Christian?

I had not been to a photo shoot in several years so let's just say that Anna and I were pretty excited. Christian did what he could to add to the excitement by spitting up on everything and deciding that it might be a good day to try and roll over! Anna and I were both out of breath when it was over and were inspired to take better pictures for the blog.

We also couldn't help but do a little reminiscing while we were there. Yes, this is Anna. She was in the magazine when she was 10 years old in 1997. Where does the time go?

Michie'

A Different Version For The Smocked Elephants

I wanted to take the time to revisit the smocked elephants with a version for the girls, but I just haven't had time to make that dream come true. So, since life has been a little busy lately, not to mention the distraction of beautiful fall weather, I was thrilled when Peggy sent a picture of the dress she made!

If you were in Martha Pullen School in July, you will remember Peggy as my fabulous assistant and here is her great grand daughter Savannah! Isn't she the cutest thing? Besides the dress, I love her white shoes, and most of all that they let her hold her sippy cup for the picture.

I am not positive which pattern that Peggy used for the jumper, but it looks remarkably like pattern #132. :) Thank you for sharing Peggy!

Michie'

A Christening Gown For The Boys

A more masculine Christening Gown was one of the first things that I saw a need for when I first began designing patterns and remains one of my top sellers. If I remember correctly, it was also one of the first garments and articles that I had accepted by one of the sewing magazines which also boosted my confidence tremendously and clued me in that this might be an ongoing thing and not just a passing hobby!

I think of this gown as a compromise for mommy and daddy. The large pleats down the front gives it an almost double breasted look for daddy, while the collar does need a touch of lace and embroidery for mommy.

The Christening Gown is made by pattern #112 and the pattern includes three different style collars to choose from.

Detailed instructions for the sewing the lace to the collar along with the design for the embroidery can be found in the pattern.

Michie'

A Fall Romper For The Boy

Of course we couldn't leave the boy out when it comes to fall clothes! You might remember this romper made by pattern #103 from previous blogs which included tutorials for the bias edging on the collar and the satin stitched pumpkin.

Don't you love his expression? He is asking why on earth I am taking his picture when he is getting hungry!

The green fabric is Featherwale Corduroy and is one of my favorite fabrics for fall and winter. Besides coming in a beautiful range of colors, it is also suitable for smocking.

Michie'

A Fall Romper For The Girl

I can't believe that fall is finally here and the babies are going to need clothes for the cooler weather. This romper made by pattern #103 has been part of my Trunk Show for several years and it was a happy surprise the 12 month size is just what Emma needs.

The twill fabric is a nice weight for cooler weather and pleats up nicely. Some basic geometric two step waves were all that was needed in shades of green.

I have had several of you ask about the fabric used for the diaper shirt in the previous blog and Stephanie was kind enough to leave a comment with the information. Thank you!

Stephanie said...

I bought some of this fabric at The Square Quilter in Shiner, Texas. Their phone number is 361-594-8022, and their web address is thesquarequilter.com When I bought it, it was on sale, and she said she still has some.

Michie'

A Tip For Neckbands

It's the little tricks and tips that we sometimes don't even think about that give our sewing that nice finished look. Whether it is a diaper shirt or a bishop dress, a nice neat neckband gives the garment a professional look.

Remember, that your neckband is always cut on the bias according to your pattern instructions so that it will turn nicely and that the goal is to have a small neckband of about 1/4", so there will be some trimming. Neckband are usually drafted a little wider than this so that the brand new beginner will not totally freak out. But for you seasoned sewers or you fearless beginners this is where you can really show off your skills!

And what is this nifty trick? Simply this, after you have stitched the neckband to the garment, zigzag close to the stitching using a width of 3.5 and length of 2.0. Next, trim away the excess fabric close to the zigzag stitching. Not only does this give you a guide for trimming, it also gives a little stability to a neckband that may get a lot of abuse from a little one!

Finish the neckband by trimming the neckband so that there is just enough left to turn under the raw edge and turn again so the you are slip stitching the folded edge to the first stitching line that attached the neckband to the garment. This will give you a nice neat neckband that is only about 1/4" wide.

I had a few inquiries about this sweet fabric. I wish I had more information. I purchased it from Beth's Heirloom Sewing http://bethsheirloomsewing.com/ over a year ago. The selvage says "Westminster Fibers #DW 26 Vehicles Allover."

Best of luck with your neckbands!

Michie'

A Pink Dress For Emma

First of all, how did our sweet girl get to be 10 months old in such a short time? And how am I going to be able to wait until November to see her again? In my opinion, one of the very best things about our technology age is that grandparents can stay in touch with e-mails and photos. And a special blessing to you young parents who take the time from your crazy day to post to the folks back home!

This is one of the little dresses that I took on my visit in August. The dress is made by pattern #106 and is such a practical and sweet dress for a little one. I used Imperial Batiste fabric so that the dress would need little if any ironing. I was told that I receive HUGE Nana points if things don't need to be ironed and I'm taking this seriously!

The beauty in this dress is the collar details. A tiny bias band is attached with a Bridging (Faggoting) stitch and a Bullion rose adds a little color. Detailed instructions can be found for the Bridging and the Bullion rose in the "Heirloom Embroidery Book."

Michie'